Original Articles: 2015 Vol: 7 Issue: 4
The effect of adding different levels of aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris in the extender on sperm motility Afshari rams at 5Ã?â??Ã?°C
Abstract
As alternative medicine, medical and aromatic plants are getting popular in reproduction science and feed manufacturing sector since their appropriate usages have no any side effects on animal health. There have been huge studies in animal reproduction for investigating the effects of plant extracts and powders on the performance of animals as well as on sperm parameters in the World. Recently one of the most popular phytoproducts is an extract of the annual herb Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophylaceae). The occurrence of glucosides , steroids, saponins, flavonoids alkaloids, tannins, vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, cinammic acid amides has been reported in Tribulus terrestris. Sperm survived for a short time in undiluted semen, and semen slow cooling to a temperature of 5°C will cause the death of many spermatozoa. Thus, extender is suitable which sperm parameters preserved during cooling and freezing. In this study, four Afshari rams with a mean of 5 ± 50 kg weight and 3 to 4 years, sperm was collected by electro ejaculation. After extraction of the medicinal plant at a concentration of 1%, 3% and 5%, each concentration was added to the sperm extender as separately and one group were considered as a control. Sperm motility were evaluated at zero time (immediately post ejaculation) and 24 hours post ejaculation by CASA software. The results of this study shows that progressive motility was significantly increased (p<0.05) in treatment groups of 3% Tribulus terrestris extract compare to control and other treatment groups at time zero. In treatment group of 5% Tribulus terrestris extract compare to other treatment groups at 24 hours time, was significant higher motility (P<0.05) than to other treatment groups. Therefore, the addition of Tribulus terrestris extract in extender was advisable to improve sperm parameters in afshari rams.